Hundreds of sheriff’s deputies help with World Cup crowd control in Huntington Park; no arrests reported

Hundreds of Sheriffs and police in riot gear keep the peace along Florence Avenue near Pacific in Huntington Park Sunday. A few fans got out of control after Mexico was defeated by the Netherlands 2-1. ( Photo by David Crane/Los Angeles Daily News )

Sheriff’s deputies and police officers from throughout Los Angeles County assisted their counterparts in Huntington Park Sunday, where authorities were keeping a watchful eye on a crowd gathered after Mexico’s World Cup loss to the Netherlands.

Officials were extra vigilant in the Los Angeles suburb, where celebration of Mexico’s victory over Croatia Monday resulted in scuffles with police and arrests.

An unlawful assembly was declared after a disappointed but spirited crowd of hundreds spilled into the streets following the conclusion of Sunday’s game, however no arrests were reported as of Sunday afternoon, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida said.

“We have approximately 200 LASD personnel out there assisting the Huntington Park Police Department,” Nishida said following the game. “Hopefully, everyone will disperse and get home safely.”

The deputies sent to Huntington Park did not affect the staffing levels at other patrol stations, Nishida added. They included deputies on horseback.

An area police department also contributed manpower to the crowd control effort.

The Whittier Police Department sent four officers to Huntington Park to help, Lt. Bryan Ellis said.

The extra, highly-visible law enforcement presence was brought in, “to ensure that all who come out to watch the game can do so safely,” Huntington Park police Lt. Al Martinez said in a written statement issued prior to Sunday’s match. “Any disruptive or illegal behavior that may threaten public safety will be dealt with promptly.”

Police shut down traffic on Pacific Boulevard, between Florence and Gage avenues, during and immediately following the game, officials said. Businesses remained open.